Amelia Hickel
- Reports to: Managing Director, K-12 Education Policy
- Staff reporting to this position: None
- Department: K-12 Education
- Position classification: Exempt, full time
Summary
American Progress has an immediate opening for a Policy and Outreach Coordinator or Manager for K-12 Education Policy. The Coordinator/Manager will work under the direction of the Managing Director for K-12 Education Policy to implement a community-informed policymaking strategy. This will include supporting direct engagement with affected stakeholders on a variety of education policy issues such as applying an explicit racial equity lens to education policymaking; recruiting and retaining effective teachers and principals; providing equitable access to K-12 opportunities in preparation for the future of work; and exploring strategies for a balanced approach to charter school policies. The coordinator will conduct small amounts of research and evaluation on effective strategies in community-informed policymaking. Successful candidates will have excellent community organizing or campaign management skills as well as strong persuasive writing and analytical skills. They will also work well in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of coalition work with partner organizations at the national, state, and local levels, leading meetings, developing agendas, executing follow-up actions, and maintaining frequent communication with partners.
- Plan and execute events supporting the K-12 Education team’s community-informed policymaking strategy, including managing the delegation of tasks to team members.
- Expand the K-12 Education team’s advocacy base by engaging with grassroots organizations, directly affected community members at the local and state levels, and policymakers in collaborative problem-solving.
- Partner in the development of a story bank, toolkits, op-eds, videos, social media content, and other advocacy materials to advance progressive action on community-informed policymaking using a racial equity lens at the national and state levels.
- Provide technical assistance to directly affected stakeholders and advocates to build state and local advocacy capacity and to facilitate constituent engagement with elected officials.
- Contribute ideas to the rollout of K-12 Education team products—such as reports, issue briefs, and fact sheets—in order to reach a range of audiences and maximize the effect of American Progress’ work.
- Anticipate advocacy needs and develop strategic plans to meet American Progress’ short- and long-term policy goals.
- Conduct research and support K-12 Education team members’ development of skills supporting effective and responsible community engagement.
Requirements and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree; master’s or advanced degree is preferred.
- At least four years of experience in a related advocacy, policy, or organizing position.
- A proven track record of project management.
- The ability to think creatively and strategically to move a policy agenda forward.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write in a variety of formats such as op-eds, talking points, and social media platforms.
- Strong attention to detail as well as organization skills.
- The ability to multitask and to set priorities under tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work on a team and across organizations.
- Commitment to the organization’s mission and goals.
- Preference will be given to individuals with a demonstrated record of K-12 education advocacy and organizing work.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70.
Please apply here.